Most
people know what certain catch phrases mean, but what is the origin of them?
Here are some interesting ones that have sound reasoning. I didn’t include the
ones that are guess work as to where they originated. There was a disclaimer at
the end of the article stating that the author’s (Ijeoma Oluo) opinion was
based on research and publicly available information.
Close, but no
cigar
Have you ever participated in a carnival
game? In the 1920s, cigars were often handed out as prizes in adult carnival
games. The phrase “close but no cigar” emerged, referring to someone who fell
just short of winning. It highlights the disappointment of being nearly
successful but not achieving the goal.
Butter someone up
This charming phrase comes from an ancient
Indian custom of throwing butter balls at statues of gods to seek favor. Over
time, it evolved to mean flattery or praise to gain someone’s favor or
goodwill.
Caught red-handed
In old English law, the only way to prove
someone had illegally butchered an animal was to catch them with the animal’s
blood still on their hands. Hence, being “caught red-handed” means being caught
in wrongdoing.
Break the ice
In the past, ships would get stuck in ice
during the winter. Smaller boats called icebreakers were sent to clear a path.
This saying evolved to mean anything that helps initiate conversation in social
settings, making interactions smoother.
Giving someone the
cold shoulder
During medieval times, hosts would give
guests a cold piece of meat from the shoulder of mutton, pork, or beef if
guests overstayed their welcome. It was a polite way to indicate that it was
time to leave. Now, giving someone the cold shoulder means ignoring them.
Saved by the bell
In Victorian England, people were
sometimes buried with a string attached to a bell above ground in case they
were mistakenly pronounced dead. If they were buried alive, they could ring the
bell to alert someone. This is also where we get the term “dead ringer.” Now,
being saved by the bell means narrowly avoiding an unpleasant situation.
Spill the beans
In ancient Greece, participants used beans
to vote, with white beans indicating approval and black beans disapproval.
Spilling the beans accidentally revealed the confidential vote count. Now,
spilling the beans means revealing a secret.
Steal my thunder
This phrase originated from the playwright
John Dennis, who invented a thunder machine for his play in 1709. When his play
flopped, another theatre production used his invention without permission. He
exclaimed, “They will not let my play run, but they steal my thunder!” Today,
when someone steals your thunder, they take credit for something you’ve done.
Wear your heart on
your sleeve
In medieval jousts, knights would dedicate
their performance to a lady by tying her token around their arm. This visible
declaration of affection has evolved to describe someone who openly shows their
emotions.
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